Insignia (1990)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, offering deep berry and blackcurrant flavors with a long, lush finish.
About this wine
The 1990 Joseph Phelps Insignia presents deep berry and blackcurrant aromas and flavors, complemented by soft tannins and a long, lush finish. This vintage marks the first time estate-grown grapes from the Las Rocas and Banca Dorada vineyards were blended together, showcasing the winery's commitment to quality and innovation. The wine's balanced structure and depth reflect the exceptional growing conditions of the 1990 vintage, making it a standout in the Insignia series. As it has aged, the wine has developed additional layers of complexity, with subtle notes of cedarwood and spice enhancing its rich fruit profile. This harmonious blend exemplifies the artistry and vision of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, solidifying its place among Napa Valley's iconic wines.
About the grape
In the 1990 vintage of Joseph Phelps Vineyards' Insignia, the blend prominently featured Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and robust tannins, formed the backbone of the wine, providing structure and longevity. Merlot, with its softer tannins and lush fruit flavors, added a layer of approachability and richness. Cabernet Franc contributed aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. This vintage was notable for being the first to incorporate estate-grown grapes from the newly planted Las Rocas Vineyard in Stags Leap and Banca Dorada Vineyard on the Rutherford Bench, marking a significant step toward utilizing estate fruit in the Insignia blend.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 1990 Insignia was the first vintage to blend estate-grown grapes from the Las Rocas and Banca Dorada vineyards, marking a significant milestone for Joseph Phelps Vineyards.
- 🍷 This vintage is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, showcasing a classic Bordeaux-style blend.
- 🛢️ The wine underwent 23 months of aging in French oak barrels, utilizing both new and 1-2 year old barrels to enhance its complexity.
- 👃 Tasting notes highlight deep berry and blackcurrant aromas and flavors, complemented by soft tannins and a long, lush finish.
- 🏆 The 1990 vintage received an average critic score of 89/100, reflecting its quality and appeal among wine enthusiasts.
Palate profile
Producer
Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973 by Joe Phelps, a former construction executive from Colorado, who transformed a 600-acre cattle ranch near St. Helena, California, into a renowned winery. In 1974, the winery introduced 'Insignia,' the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend in California, marking a significant innovation in the state's wine industry. Over the years, Joseph Phelps Vineyards expanded its estate to include 525 acres across 11 vineyards in Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast, emphasizing sustainable practices and land preservation. In 2022, the winery was acquired by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), integrating it into a global portfolio of luxury wine brands.
